Carry bag with hinged support surface

ABSTRACT

A carry bag includes a compartment for receiving items. A first rectangular panel is contiguous with the compartment. A second rectangular panel located externally of the compartment is attached by a hinge to the first panel. One or more straps is/are attached at or near the periphery of the second panel for securing the carry bag against the torso of a user. The carry bag is adaptable between a first “backpack” configuration and a second “desk” configuration in which the first panel forms a support surface extending away from the user&#39;s torso above the compartment, and wherein in both said configurations, the second panel can be retained substantially flat against the torso of a user by the straps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to carry bags. The invention moreparticularly, although not exclusively, relates to a carry bag orbackpack which is adaptable so as to provide a convenient work surfacefor supporting a laptop computer or a book for example.

Backpacks or carry bags for laptop computers are designed to protect thelaptop during transit. On extended journeys where it is desired to usethe laptop in transit, the laptop must be removed from the carry bag andrested upon one's legs or upon another support surface. This is notconvenient where one is either standing or walking.

An improved carry bag is provided in which items can be stored and whichcan be reconfigured to provide a support surface upon which the itemscan be rested for use with the carry bag attached to the user.

SUMMARY

There is disclosed herein a carry bag comprising:

-   -   a compartment for receiving items;    -   a first panel attached to or formed integrally with the carry        bag alongside the compartment;    -   a second substantially rectangular panel located externally of        the compartment and supported by a hinge to pivot with respect        to the first panel;    -   one or more straps attached at or near the periphery of the        second panel and extending from a position remote from the hinge        to a position proximal of the hinge for securing the carry bag        against the torso of a user;    -   the carry bag being adaptable between a first configuration in        which the first and second panels are mutually parallel, and a        second configuration in which the first and second panels are        mutually non-parallel and in which the first panel forms a        support surface extending away from the user's torso above the        compartment, and wherein in both said configurations, the second        panel can be retained substantially flat against the torso of a        user by the straps.

Preferably, said straps comprise a pair of shoulder straps extendingfrom the second panel at an edge remote from the hinge.

Preferably, said straps further comprise a waist strap extending fromthe second panel at an edge proximal to the hinge.

Preferably, the carry bag further comprises an extension panel attachedto the first panel and adapted to extend away from the first panel toprovide an auxiliary surface area contiguous with said support surface.

Preferably, the auxiliary panel slides with respect to the first paneland the first panel comprises slots and the auxiliary panel comprisespins which fit into said slots.

Preferably, the carry bag further comprises a zipper extending partiallyabout the periphery of the first and second panels and which when closedmaintains the said first configuration of the carry bag.

Preferably, the first panel is rigid and wherein the hinge is formedintegrally with the first panel.

Preferably, the second panel is rigid and wherein the hinge is alsoformed integrally with the second panel.

Preferably, the hinge comprises attachment fingers adapted to beattached to the carry bag at the second panel.

Alternatively, the hinge comprises a U-channel adapted to be attached tothe carry bag adjacent to the second panel.

Preferably, the hinge comprises a pair of abutment flanges which abutone another to limit the maximum angle of pivotal movement between thefirst and second panels.

Preferably, one of the abutment flanges comprises an array ofapertures—each selectively adapted to receive a buffer against which theother flange bears to thereby adjust said maximum angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way ofexample with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective illustration of a user wearing a carrybag in a first “backpack” configuration;

FIG. 2 is another schematic perspective illustration of a user wearingthe carry bag in the backpack configuration;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective illustration of a user wearing thecarry bag in a second “desk” configuration;

FIG. 4 is another schematic perspective illustration of a user wearingthe carry bag in the desk configuration;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective illustration of the panels of a carrybag in the first configuration;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective illustration of the panels of FIG. 5in the second configuration;

FIG. 7 is a schematic parts-exploded perspective illustration ofdifferent panels including an auxiliary panel in the firstconfiguration;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective illustration of the panels of FIG. 7in the second configuration with the auxiliary panel extended;

FIG. 9 is a schematic detailed perspective illustration of features ofthe hinge;

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective illustration of a carry bag in thesecond/“desk” configuration having an auxiliary panel extended;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective illustration of a carry bag in thesecond/“desk” configuration;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic perspective illustrations of a carry bagin the first/“backpack” configuration;

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective illustration of alternative panelsfor a carry bag in a first/“backpack” configuration;

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective illustration of the panels of FIG. 14in the second “desk” configuration;

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective illustration of a further alternativepanel configuration for a carry bag in the first/“backpack”configuration;

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective illustration of the panels of FIG. 16in the second/“desk” configuration; and

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective illustration of a hinge having anadjustable stopper to set the angle of the second panel at or near thesecond/“desk” configuration.

DEFINITION

As used herein the word “panel” is intended to encompass both flexibleand rigid sections and surfaces. For example, a soft fabric rectangularsegment of the carry bag can be a panel and a hard metallic boardforming a writing or support surface can be a panel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings depict schematically a userwearing a carry bag as a backpack behind of, and in front of the torsorespectively. The carry bag is typically made of pieces of fabric,leather, vinyl, canvas, woven nylon or any other material suitable forthe purpose and comprises inter alia a compartment 10, a pair of panels13 and shoulder straps 11.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 the carry bag is adapted into a desk configuration inwhich the first panel 13 folds down to form a support surface and thesecond panel 14 remains flat and substantially vertical against thetorso of the user. In both configurations, the shoulder straps 11 extendfrom the carry bag near an upper portion of the second panel over theshoulders and back down between the arms and the torso to the carry bagnear a lower portion of the second panel 14 proximal the hinge to bedescribed later. A waist strap 12 can also be provided and connected ateither sides of the carry bag near a lower portion of the second panel14 for extending about the user's waist.

The first and second panels 13 and 14 are typically stitched into thefabric of the carry bag, but may be secured by any convenient means suchas with rivets for example. The panels 13 and 14 are typicallyfabricated from metal such as pressed sheet aluminium, but mightalternatively be formed of rigid plastics material or plywood forexample.

The panels 13 and 14 are hinged together and a typical hinge 16 is shownin FIGS. 5 to 9. The hinge comprises components which are extensions ofthe panels themselves and comprise cut-outs 19 into which extensions 20are received. A hinge pin or rod 17 extends through the extensions 20underneath the cut-outs 19. Moreover, the hinge is somewhat in the formof a piano hinge, but flanges 23 and 24 are provided that mutually abutto define a pivot limit of about 90° between the panels 13 and 14 in thedesk configuration depicted in FIGS. 6 and 8. This angle can be alteredin manufacture to other than 90°. For example an angle of 60° might bebetter suited for supporting reading material. This angle might be madeadjustable so that a variety of comfortable angles can be set by theuser. An example of a means by which this might be achieved is describedwith reference to FIG. 18 below. The abutting flanges prevent thesupport surface from dropping below horizontal in use. This isparticularly useful when the carry bag is used as a desk for supportinga laptop computer by a user who is standing or walking. The hinge neednot be formed integrally with the panels and might alternatively beattached to the panels by fasteners such as rivets for example.

The hinge comprises a ledge 27 of a width which defines the size of thegap between the panels 13 and 14 in the closed configuration (FIGS. 5and 7). The ledge can be dimensioned so that a closed laptop computerfor example can fit safely between the closed panels for protectionduring transportation.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, there is an auxiliary panel 15 whichslides out laterally. from the first panel 13 to provide an increasedwork area. In order to retain the auxiliary panel 15 to the first panel13, it is provided with a pair of pins 21. The pins 21 are slidablyreceived within corresponding slots 22 formed in turned back lips 18 ofthe first panel 13. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the compartment 10includes a flap 25 over its opening to enable items to be inserted intoit and removed. Further details are depicted in these figures includingcatches and strap-length adjustment crimps. Adjustment of these willserve not only to enable comfortable carrying of the carry bag as abackpack, but also to adjust the height of the panel 13 relative to theuser's shoulders when configured as a support surface. Also, a zipper 26is shown extending partially about the periphery of the carry bag. Whenclosed, the zipper 26 maintains a parallel relationship between thefirst and second panels. When the zipper 26 is opened, it enables thecarry bag to take on the desk configuration.

An alternative embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15. In thisembodiment, instead of providing a full-sized rigid second panelintegrally with the hinge, the ledge 27 has extending from it a pair ofattachment fingers 14A intended to be attached to the fabric or othermaterial from which the carry bag is made. Moreover, the “second panel”in this instance would be the fabric or other material from which thecarry bag is made. The attachment fingers might fit into slots in thefabric or could be provided with apertures through which rivets or boltscan pass to connect the fingers to the fabric of the carry bag.

Yet a further embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17. In thisembodiment, instead of providing a full-sized rigid second panel, theledge 27 extends to form a inverted U-channel 14B to be attached to thefabric or other material from which the carry bag is made. Rivets orother fasteners can pass through a wall of the U-channel. Again, the“second panel” in this instance would be the fabric or other materialfrom which the carry bag is made. This embodiment might be best adaptedto be used with a carry bag formed of a material of higher rigidity thansay soft fabric so as to properly support the second panel when foldeddown.

FIG. 18 depicts an angle-adjustment means by which the angle of thesecond panel at its rest position can be adjusted. Moreover, theabutment flange 23 has an array of apertures 28 extending away from thepivot axis of the hinge. A buffer 29—typically made of plastics orrubber material—can be fitted into any one of the apertures 28. If thebuffer 29 is fitted into the aperture closest to the pivot axis of thehinge, the second panel 24 would rest at a relatively high angle,whereas if the buffer were fitted into the aperture furthest from thepivot axis, then the second panel 24 would rest at a relatively shallowangle. One, two or more such arrays of apertures might be provided alongthe hinge.

In use, items can be stored within the compartment 10 and carried in aconventional manner. However, with the carry bag carried in front of thetorso as depicted in FIG. 2, the zipper can be opened to allow thecompartment 10 together with the first panel 13 to pivot away from thesecond panel 14 to form a desk upon which say a laptop 15 can besupported for use. If additional work area is needed—say for supportinga mouse, the auxiliary panel 15 can be extended. Note in FIG. 7 thatthere is provision for both left-handed and right-handed extension ofone or two auxiliary panels.

It should be appreciated that modifications and alterations obvious tothose skilled in the art are not to be considered as beyond the scope ofthe present invention. For example, rather than providing a zipper,conventional catches could be adopted.

1. A carry bag comprising: a compartment for receiving items; a firstpanel attached to or formed integrally with the carry bag alongside thecompartment; a second substantially rectangular panel located externallyof the compartment and supported by a hinge to pivot with respect to thefirst panel; one or more straps attached at or near the periphery of thesecond panel and extending from a position remote from the hinge to aposition proximal of the hinge for securing the carry bag against thetorso of a user; the carry bag being adaptable between a firstconfiguration in which the first and second panels are mutuallyparallel, and a second configuration in which the first and secondpanels are mutually non-parallel and in which the first panel forms asupport surface extending away from the user's torso above thecompartment, and wherein in both said configurations, the second panelcan be retained substantially flat against the torso of a user by thestraps.
 2. The carry bag of claim 1, wherein said straps comprise a pairof shoulder straps extending from the second panel at an edge remotefrom the hinge.
 3. The carry bag of claim 2, wherein said straps furthercomprise a waist strap extending from the second panel at an edgeproximal to the hinge.
 4. The carry bag of claim 1, further comprisingan extension panel attached to the first panel and adapted to extendaway from the first panel to provide an auxiliary surface areacontiguous with said support surface.
 5. The carry bag of claim 4,wherein the auxiliary panel slides with respect to the first panel andthe first panel comprises slots and the auxiliary panel comprises pinswhich fit into said slots.
 6. The carry bag of claim 1, furthercomprising a zipper extending partially about the periphery of the firstand second panels and which when closed maintains the said firstconfiguration of the carry bag.
 7. The carry bag of claim 1, wherein thefirst panel is rigid and wherein the hinge is formed integrally with thefirst panel.
 8. The carry bag of claim 7, wherein the second panel isrigid and wherein the hinge is also formed integrally with the secondpanel.
 9. The carry bag of claim 7, wherein the hinge comprisesattachment fingers adapted to be attached to the carry bag at the secondpanel.
 10. The carry bag of claim 7, wherein the hinge comprises aU-channel adapted to be attached to the carry bag adjacent to the secondpanel.
 11. The carry bag of claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a pairof abutment flanges which abut one another to limit the maximum angle ofpivotal movement between the first and second panels.
 12. The carry bagof claim 11, wherein one of the abutment flanges comprises an array ofapertures—each selectively adapted to receive a buffer against which theother flange bears to thereby adjust said maximum angle.